Dogs May Soon Not Be Allowed in Bars

Is it Dogedin or not?

, one of several pet friendly bars in town, received a complaint recently, which could soon mean no dogs on the inside or outside of bars in town.

This week, Rosie's owner Julie Brown received a visit from the state Department of Health because of an anonymous complaint. Another business in town complained about a dog being in the bar.

State law prohibits dogs in bars with the exception of service dogs. Although bars often don't have kitchens and serve individually packaged and sealed foods, beverages are still considered a food, said John Geisler, Environmental Manager for the state Department of Health.

Food is regulated by three different agencies within Florida. Places, which do not cook their own food like bars, are regulated by the Department of Health. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services inspects most grocery and convenience stores. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation licenses most restaurants.

Restaurants fall under different rules per state law. Dunedin has adopted a , which allows dogs in outdoor seating areas of restaurants.

Geisler said the doggie dining ordinance does not apply to bars unless they prepare and serve food. Dogs are not allowed in the indoor or outdoor seating areas of bars, he said.

"We are going to take a look and see how many bars are (allowing dogs) and we will notify them (of state law). We need to investigate all the bars. We want to be fair and make sure they know the state law," Geisler said.

President Lynn Wargo said although she was not familiar with the state regulations, dogs are an asset to community. She hoped something could be worked out to allow dogs to go to places like Rosie's.

"The number of dogs in the community is a heart warming sight. We are very, proud as a community that we are dog friendly," Wargo said.

Brown, Rosie's owner, built her business model around being pet friendly. She estimates about 25 percent of her customers bring dogs.

"We do gain business, because people are out walking 'their kids' and they stop in for a drink... however the outcome, we will make it work," Brown said.

Bar patrons reacted to the news of the potential pet ban.

"I don't see any reason not to allow dogs in bars. What's the big deal? Chances are the dog will get sick from us, more than the other way around," said Rosie's patron Larry Solomon.

Laura Prather and her labradoodle walk for three miles everyday stopping for a drink, at or other pet friendly places, midway in their journey.

"I think it would be real sad for my dog. It would be a real shame,"  Prather said.